Beckett and Captain Montgomery didn't expect Castle to still insist on his theory that "Brady is not the killer but a scapegoat." The room fell silent as everyone prepared to listen to Castle's unconventional ideas about this baffling case, which had already claimed two lives.
Castle, who had been holding back, felt a rush of excitement as everyone paid attention. He relished the rare opportunity to showcase his insights. Without further hesitation, he began sharing his thoughts to the fullest extent he could.
"Look, Brady's first call this morning from prison was to his aunt. We now know the reason—he gave her the document bag ten years ago before he went to prison, repeatedly reminding her to keep it safe. The first question is: what's in that document bag? Why didn't he trust his wife with it but instead gave it to an obscure aunt?
I believe..."
Castle's words drew everyone's focus. He raised his voice slightly, emphasizing his point.
"I believe the document bag contains direct evidence proving Brady was not the killer in that case ten years ago, showing he was just a scapegoat! That's why he had his Aunt Sally send it to Captain Montgomery today. The document was intercepted, and the cyclist courier Caleb Szymanski was killed for it. So, the courier's death is collateral damage in Brady's case!"
Castle's explanation provided a lot to ponder. The room fell silent as everyone processed the information. Castle, not giving them much time to reflect, continued after a sip of water.
"Second, there are many signs supporting my theory. Most notably, after Brady had his aunt send the document bag, he immediately called his wife, telling her to disappear with their child. Why did he do that?
My guess perfectly explains this action: because he was taking the fall for someone else and decided to stop. He had a contingency plan ready for ten years, aiming to clear his name. So, his wife and child's safety became paramount. That's why he told his wife, 'Today's the day,' indicating their pre-arranged plan was in motion. That's why she left home with their child and luggage shortly after his call and is now missing!"
At this moment, Ryan's phone rang. He answered briefly, then excitedly informed everyone, "We've got a lead! Brady's child has a severe respiratory condition and visits the doctor every Tuesday. Today is Tuesday, and we know which doctor he sees. If we hurry to the hospital, we might catch Brady's wife taking their child to the appointment!"
Captain Montgomery was elated and immediately ordered Esposito and Ryan to head to the hospital to find Brady's wife and bring her back for questioning.
Watching Esposito and Ryan leave with enthusiasm, Montgomery felt a bit guilty for bypassing Beckett in his excitement. He apologized, but Beckett waved it off, focusing her attention on Castle.
She was surprised and impressed, "Did you just think of all this? Do you have anything else?"
Beckett was thrilled with her intuition about Castle's insights. She had sensed Castle's distracted demeanor at the crime scene indicated he had noticed something others hadn't. His suggestion about the misreading of the sender's name had already proved accurate. Since then, she knew this case, which seemed convoluted to her, was likely straightforward for Castle. That's why she pressured him in front of her boss, forcing him to reveal his thoughts and speculations.
Now, her judgment was confirmed. Castle, like a treasure trove, kept pulling out astonishing insights. Beckett decided to continue pressing him for more information, convinced he had more to share.
Castle, sensing Beckett's predatory gaze, felt a chill. He regretted speaking up, knowing she now pinned her hopes on him solving the case. He tried to avoid her intense scrutiny but was cornered by Montgomery's query.
"Mr. Castle, do you have any other thoughts on this case?"
Castle, having nowhere to hide, sighed and looked at the ceiling before speaking, "How did Brady's phone call from prison get leaked? How did the killer know Brady was having his aunt send the document this morning? I suggest contacting the prison immediately. There must be a guard involved, or at least someone monitoring Brady's communications!
However, I'm not sure if the prison will cooperate with your investigation, as it's quite a scandal. You'll need to coordinate with them, Captain."
Castle's suggestion left a strong impression on Montgomery. He realized why Beckett's team's case-solving rate skyrocketed after teaming up with Castle. Despite his seemingly wild ideas, Castle's insights were invaluable.
Beckett, realizing the oversight regarding the prison's involvement, quickly left the room to organize an investigation into the guards. This left Castle and Montgomery sitting awkwardly in the meeting room.
The tense atmosphere prompted Castle to awkwardly smile and stand up, intending to leave. But before he could, Beckett returned, having swiftly arranged for the prison investigation. She firmly pushed Castle back into his seat, demanding, "You're not going anywhere. Spill every thought you have about this case, right now!"
Castle, looking dejected, protested, "I've already told you everything. Those were just my guesses without solid evidence. If I share more speculative ideas, it might mislead your investigation. Besides, Esposito and Ryan are looking for Brady's wife. I have a feeling they'll find her, and she'll provide the answers we need!"
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